The Minority in Parliament has called for the dismissal and prosecution of Ghana's Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, amid allegations of his involvement in a visa controversy surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This follows reports that non-officials were presented as public-sector employees to support their visa applications. The controversy has led to investigations into the processing of visas for Ghanaians traveling to the World Cup.
According to reports, about US$623,000 was charged in visa facilitation fees connected to Ghana's World Cup travel arrangements. Additionally, there are allegations that individuals who were not employees of the Ministry of Sports or related public institutions were presented as staff or affiliates during the visa application process. The Minority claims that documents suggest the involvement of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), TRIBE Culture Fest, and officials within the Sports Ministry.
Thirteen days after the allegations surfaced, President Mahama asked the National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, to step aside while investigations are conducted into the allegations. The Minority insists that President Mahama should remove both the Sports Minister and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) if investigations establish that they were involved in any wrongdoing.
The Minority says some people paid between US$7,000 and US$14,000 to gain access to the visa arrangement process. Ranking Member of Parliament's Sports Committee Vincent Ekow Assafuah stated that the allegations raise serious questions about the processes used to facilitate the travel of individuals to the United States for the World Cup. He emphasized that accountability cannot end with one individual and that dismissal is not prosecution.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, October 7, Mr. Assafuah said the investigation should go beyond the NSA boss and examine the roles of all officials who may have been involved. He added that where there is evidence of a crime, the appropriate law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities must pursue the matter. The Minority's demands come as the government seeks to address the controversy and restore public trust.
The controversy has sparked concerns about the integrity of Ghana's sports administration and the potential for corruption. The government's response to the allegations will be closely watched, as it seeks to balance the need for accountability with the need to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The Minority's calls for action reflect a broader demand for transparency and accountability in government.
As investigations continue, the Sports Minister and other officials implicated in the controversy face mounting pressure to respond to the allegations. The outcome of the investigations and any subsequent actions taken by the government will have significant implications for Ghana's sports administration and its reputation on the international stage. The government's handling of the situation will be crucial in determining the long-term impact on the country's sports sector.
Key points
- The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to sack and prosecute Sports Minister Kofi Adams over alleged involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa controversy.
- The controversy involves allegations that non-officials were presented as public-sector employees to support their visa applications, and that about US$623,000 was charged in visa facilitation fees.
- The Minority demands that President Mahama remove both the Sports Minister and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) if investigations establish that they were involved in any wrongdoing.
